Police call on residents to be alert
Police warn residents to be aware of houebreakings and burglaries.
HOUSEBREAKINGS and burglaries are a cause for concern for police in the South Durban area as they call on residents to take safety precautions.
Brighton Beach SAP communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux said there has been a spike in housebreakings since July and Wentworth SAP communications officer, Lieutenant M Gumede has noted an increase in burglaries, especially in residential areas.
Ocean View and Wentworth have been earmarked as areas of high concern by Brighton Beach SAP, and extra patrols have been put in place in the ridge and central areas of Merebank by Wentworth SAP. But both warn that all other areas remain a safety concern.
It is during the night and early hours of the morning that most of these thefts take place and Capt Le Roux adds that stolen goods are moved around from 3am to 5am. “Large items such a flat screen TVs, which have become the most sought after items are concealed in blankets, linen or towels and carried around on foot. The perpetrators are predominantly men and dress in smart casual clothing,” said Capt Le Roux.
She urges people to report people carrying large concealed objects or bulky rubbish bags to the police, or local security companies, keeping in mind their appearance and direction they are travelling.
Lt Gumede asks residents to ensure doors and windows are secured before they go to sleep. “Put lights on and check around the premises that all entry or exit points are properly secured. The alarm system must be checked regularly as it is a deterrent. Vehicles must always be parked inside the premises at all times, not outside on the verge,” said Lt Gumede.
He also encourages residents to join or initiate neighbourhood watches in their areas. “Wentworth SAP is more than willing to assist residents who wish to introduce street committees in their areas.”
Call 031-451-6240/1/2 to report crime at Wentworth SAP, or 031-451-8078/72/00 at Brighton Beach SAP, or call the Crime Stop hotline on 08600-10111, or the Flying Squad on 10111. Capt Le Roux suggests residents also keep local security company numbers on their phone – call Park Patrol on 031-469-4405/6 or Blue Security on 031-717-5000.
